The UN Security Council's open debate on transitional justice, an important component in building a sustainable peace. (Source: Vietnamese delegation to the UN)

Belgium, which presides over the Security Council this month, placed the matter on the agenda. Participating countries exchanged their experience in applying different modes of transitional justice in their own countries.

Dang Dinh Quy, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Vietnam at the UN, said the final goal of  transitional justice is national harmony and sustainable development. Thus, it’s necessary to take into consideration  the long-term interest of a nation and the elimination of the fundamental causes of conflicts.

 Ambassador Quy said transitional justice should originate from the people, be mastered by the people, and involve everyone including women, youth, children, and the most vulnerable people.

It’s impossible to impose or copy a model from one country to another, said Quy adding that the international community should strengthen their capacity and increase the sharing of experience. He said the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation plays a key role in enhancing reconciliation capacity, peace building, and the promotion of the roles of women and children.

Vietnam fully understands the difficulties countries have faced during post-conflict transitional period and is ready to help and share experience with other countries during Vietnam's membership of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021 term and in other mechanisms, said the Ambassador.